In an effort to lure trade and business investment, the Limpopo Premier, Mr Cassel Mathale, accompanied by some members of his executive council, mayors and representatives of organized business, particularly in the coal industry, jetted off to China on Sunday for a week-long tour of that country. 

According to the Limpopo government spokesperson, Mohale Nchabeleng,  Mathale is accompanied by, amongst others, the MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Mr  Pitsi Moloto, MEC for Local Hovernment and Housing Mr  Soviet Lekganyane, the executive mayor of Waterberg, Cllr Eric Gwangwa, and the mayor of Lephalale, Cllr Rosinah Legotlane.

Nchabeleng said the delegation would participate in the 2010 Coal-to-Liquids Congress in Beijing. "At this congress, the experts and investors will converge to share  experiences and expertise in the development of coal-to-liquid technology and new forms of benefiting opportunities that would complement the conventional electricity generation. This would also enable the industry to contribute immensely to the current challenge of skyrocketing energy demand throughout the world,” Nchabeleng said.

He said the Premier and his entourage would also have meetings with potential investors in the coal sector and key policy makers from the National Planning and Reform Commission, the regional Governor of Inner Mongolia and Local Administration of Shenhua. 

Mathale said Limpopo was replete with a lot of natural resources, including platinum group metals, diamonds, chrome, iron ore, copper and coal. Given its global competitive advantage in these commodities and the massive investments going on in Lephalale and Medupi Power Station, this 2010 World Congress provides Limpopo with unique opportunities to interact with experts and potential investors in coal mining and beneficiation industry.

Mr Dickson Masemola, the MEC for Education, will act as the Premier of Limpopo for the period.